Celtics' comeback runs out of gas in Denver

A furious fourth-quarter comeback by the Celtics fell short in Denver, as the C's lost their second straight game while falling to 2-3 on their seven-game road trip in losing to the Nuggets, 98-91.

The Celtics trailed by as many as 15 points in the game and 14 points early in the fourth quarter, but a 17-5 run brought the Celtics back to within two points at 87-85 with just over four minutes remaining. However, the Nuggets responded with five quick unanswered points to take a 94-87 lead that they would never relinquish.

In defeat, the Celtics had strong performances from Rajon Rondo (12 points, 16 assists, 5 rebounds) and Kevin Garnett (22 points on 9-of-12 shooting along with nine rebounds and five assists). Paul Pierce (22 points), however, fouled out, while Ray Allen scored just seven points on 3-of-9 shooting, including an 0-for-5 night from 3-point range.

The Nuggets were led by Danilo Gallinari (20 points) and Kenneth Faried (18 points on a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and 8-for-8 from the line, along with 16 rebounds).

After two losses in as many nights, the Celtics fly to Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Monday. The Celtics fell to 23-21, 1 1/2 games behind the 76ers for first place in the Atlantic Division.